Abstract: A coin feeding device (for example, feeding unit 20) includes: a disk 22 having a plurality of protrusions 22b at a surface, the disk 22 disposed so as to be rotatable in a tilted state and configured to catch coins by the protrusions 22b to move the coins upward while rotating; a cover 21 configured to form a space for storing a coin between the cover 21 and the surface of the disk 22; a guide 26 configured to guide a peripheral edge of a coin such that a part of the coin having been caught by each protrusion 22b and moved upward protrudes from the disk 22; and a taking-out unit (for example, taking-out mechanism 28) configured to grip only one coin protruding from the disk 22, remove the coin from the disk 22, and discharge the coin to outside of the disk 22.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chip processing self-service kiosk comprising: a chip slot; a chip sensor; and a mechanical arrangement disposed downstream of the chip slot, the mechanical arrangement configured to allow received chips from the chip slot to be stacked in an orientation where the received chips are countable by the chip sensor.

Abstract: A coin separating and feeding device includes a separating and rotating body, a moving body, and a cover body. The separating and rotating body defines a concave portion defined in an upper surface and extending from each of an upper surface side and a peripheral surface side; and a separating concave portion disposed at a part of the concave portion and formed in a semi-circular shape by the moving body. The moving body is mounted at a rotary disk of the device, is configured to pivot about a support shaft, is pivoted by a drive means positioned under the rotary disk via a coupling body penetrating through a through hole defined in the rotary disk, and is configured to be moved from the coin receiving position to a coin delivering position when delivering coins. The cover body is disposed at an upper surface side of the through hole.

Abstract: A coin handling system performs a one or two-part coin handling and recognition process. In the first part of the two-part process, the system images bulk coins, determines the coin types or other attributes, and returns at least some of the coins to the bulk coin receptacle; in the second part, the system re-images the coins and uses the coin types or attributes determined in the first part to efficiently and economically perform machine recognition of attributes of the coins. The output is used to handle the coins and to determine a price to pay for the coins. The images are bright field images suitable for use by people.

Abstract: A coin hopper includes a hopper body including a housing having an accommodation chamber defined in a funnel-shaped coin box thereof and a coin outlet for guiding coins out of the accommodation chamber individually, a rotating wheel having multiple coin-pushing blades extended from a wheel base thereof and a coin-receiving space defined between each two adjacent coin-pushing blades, each coin-pushing blade having an abutment edge extending along one lateral side thereof for stopping one coin in one coin-receiving space and a pushing edge extending along an opposite lateral side thereof, a power drive adapted for rotating the rotating wheel to let coins be ruffled by coin-pushing blades and forced into coin-receiving spaces and then guided by arc-shaped abutment edges to move out of each coin-receiving space upwardly toward coin outlet one after another, and a coin-dispensing mechanism including a spring-loaded lever for pushing coins out of coin outlet individually.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including the steps of establishing a defining attributes of a respective coin based at least upon a predetermined ratio of weight per unit of volume or upon topological features of one or more predominant surfaces of the coin, measuring a first set of dimensional parameters that define a shape of the disk including one or more thickness and diameter measurements, measuring a second parameter including a weight of the disk, measuring a third set of parameters defining a set of topographical features of the disk, comparing the measured parameters within at least some of the plurality of files of the database; and classifying the disk as a specific type of coin by substantially matching at least some of the measured parameters of the disk with the attributes of at least one of the plurality of files.

Abstract: A coin handling system performs a one or two-part coin handling and recognition process. In the first part of the two-part process, the system images bulk coins, determines the coin types or other attributes, and returns at least some of the coins to the bulk coin receptacle; in the second part, the system re-images the coins and uses the coin types or attributes determined in the first part to efficiently and economically perform machine recognition of attributes of the coins. The output is used to handle the coins and to determine a price to pay for the coins. The images are bright field images suitable for use by people.

Abstract: A coin counting apparatus includes a mounting unit with a base plate, and a guiding unit connected to the mounting unit. The guiding unit includes a guiding member connected to the base plate, a cover member cooperating with the base plate to define a guiding space, an adjusting plate connected to the base plate, a positioning bolt connected to a pivotable swing arm and slidable in a guidance sliding groove of the cover member and a base sliding groove of the base plate, and two fastener members fastening the adjusting plate to the base plate. The adjusting plate is movable relative to the base plate to cover a portion of the base sliding groove so that a range of the sliding movement of the positioning bolt is adjustable.

Abstract: A disc dispensing apparatus operatively mounts to a disc passageway and includes a moveable guide hole member having a guide hole of an elongated shape and a guiding unit operatively mounted in the guide hole. A resilient unit biases the guiding unit against the movement of the discs and a moving unit is operatively attached to the moveable guide hole member for positioning the elongated guide hole at an angle to an axis of the disc passageway on one side of the disc passageway whereby a disc to be dispensed contacts the guiding unit and displaces the guiding unit along the elongated hole while receiving a counter force from the resilient unit to force the disc to be directed away from the guiding unit to one side of the disc passageway.

Abstract: An actuator unit is applied to joints, each movable along two or more axes, such as a hip joint, a knee joint, or an ankle joint of a legged mobile robot. All the moving portions of a power-supply and control-signal harness are accommodated inside the actuator unit, and an electric contact of the actuator unit is on the free end of an output shaft so that a multi-axis robot is easily achieved. The actuator unit has two orthogonal shafts, and is useful to robots having various kinds of joint structures.

Abstract: A device guiding disc to direct discs to a desired location includes a guiding passageway for guiding and aligning the individual discs at an exit position. A pushing device can contact the discs at the exit position and move the disc out of the guiding passageway. A roller member can be positioned adjacent the bottom of the exit position to support and translate the disc as it is pushed by the pushing device. A support device, such as a tapered roller member, can be positioned above the exit position to receive an upper edge of the disc and to operatively position the disc for subsequent contact with the pushing device wherein the disc is positioned at an inclined angle to a longitudinal axis of the guiding passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cylindrical objects and loose coins having a case, a cylindrical object dispenser positioned inside of the case, a loose coin dispenser positioned inside of the case; and a central controller electronically coupled to the cylindrical object dispenser and the loose coin dispenser, the controller controlling both the operation of the cylindrical object dispenser and the operation of the loose coin dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating load cells in the filed after the uncalibrated load cells have been installed. Two known weight conditions are used in conjunction with a storage device in which the uncalibrated load cells are installed. The method will calibrate the load cells, calculate load cell offsets, scale factor differences between load cells, and flexure/stresses in a supporting structure which rests upon the uncalibrated load cells.

Abstract: A reduced-size coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes an integral base member which concentrically and circumferentially mounts both the rotatable disc and the sorting head. The unitary base member also provides as the mounting structure for the electronics and the motor.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus can sequentially dispense coins through a passageway to a discharge location. A coin sensor unit can be operatively mounted to monitor the movement of coins along the coin passageway to provide an output signal representative of movement of the coins through the passageway. A comparator circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined threshold value and when the alarm signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can activate a control circuit for activating an alarm signal indicating an abnormal condition in the coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus includes a storage interior for storing bulk coins, a coin passageway extending along a vertical longitudinal axis upward from the storage container to an exit aperture, and a coin selector for selectively sending coins upward along the coin passageway. A lever is pivotably mounted for contacting the coin as it exits the exit aperture, and a sensor unit operatively connected with the lever can count the coins as they exit. The lever and the sensor unit can be appropriately aligned in a fixed relationship and a mounting assembly that is mounting the lever and the sensor unit adjacent the exit aperture can be adjusted traverse to to the longitudinal axis to accommodate different size coins.

Abstract: A coin handling device comprises a hopper and an escalator for receiving coins from the hopper. The escalator is connected to the hopper and extends upwardly from the hopper. At least a portion of the escalator is downwardly foldable toward the hopper to reduce an overall height of the coin handling device. The reduced height facilitates removal of the coin handling device from a gaming machine cabinet and installation of the coin handling device into the cabinet in the event the cabinet provides minimal clearance.

Abstract: A cash counting apparatus for cashbox comprises a case arranged within the cashbox, a sliding block movably arranged at an upper side of the case, a swing arm pivotally arranged in the case, and a circuit board with a plurality of contacts. The swing arm has one end pivotally driven by the sliding block and a probe on another end. The sliding block is moved laterally by an inserted coin, and the probe is swung due to the lever action of the swing arm. The probe is selectively in contact with one of the contacts according to the sizes of the inserted coin.

Abstract: A coin sorting machine (10) has a motor output shaft (31) driving a coin queueing disk (21) and also has a coin sorting assembly (22) having a coin pushing member (24). A power transmission device (32, 34) transmits power from the motor output shaft (31) to a second shaft (36) driving the coin pushing member (24). A coin sensor (26b) senses each coin in a respective denomination as it is sorted into a respective receptacle (17) during a sorting operation. A controller (38) receives signals from the coin sensor (26b) determines a last coin in a bag count limit and generates a braking signal to a braking assembly (37) to stop rotation of the second shaft (36) without directly mechanically braking the motor output shaft (31) or the motor (30).

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus can sequentially dispense coins through a passageway to a discharge location. A coin sensor unit can be operatively mounted to monitor the movement of coins along the coin passageway to provide an output signal representative of movement of the coins through the passageway. A comparator circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined threshold value and when the alarm signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can activate a control circuit for activating an alarm signal indicating an abnormal condition in the coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Unassorted tokens of different types are supplied into a coin inlet portion 16 of an upper casing 3, so that the numbers of respective types or total amount of discharged tokens are calculated and displayed. A rotary disk 5 and a disk follower 6 are arranged at an upper surface of a main case 2, with a belt 12 extending around their circumferences, so that they are rotated by a handle 14. An upper casing 3 is attached to the main case 2 in a manner enabling opening and closing movement. A lower surface of the upper casing 3 is formed with a guide passage 19. The upper casing 3 is provided with detection holes 23 above which a coin sensor is provided that is capable of calculating the diameters and transit number of tokens. The main case 2 is provided with a light source from which light is emitted for irradiating the coin sensor. The supplied tokens are shifted from the outer edge of the rotating rotary disk 5 onto the belt 12 in the guide passage 19.

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine including a coin stacking section for stacking deposited coins, a coin wrapping section for wrapping coins stacked by the coin stacking section and a coin supporting post for supporting the stacked coins and moving them from the coin stacking section to the coin wrapping section, the coin wrapping machine further including a light projector disposed between the coin stacking section and the coin wrapping section for projecting light onto the stacked coins being moved from the coin stacking section to the coin wrapping section, a line sensor disposed between the coin stacking section and the coin wrapping section for photoelectrically detecting light impinging onto the stacked coins from the light projector and reflected by edges of the stacked coins and a CPU for detecting portions between adjacent coins based on detection data produced by the line sensor, thereby determining the number of the stacked coins supported by the coin supporting post.

Abstract: A coin discharged apparatus includes a pipe assembly for holding a plurality of coins, a base plate having a discharging chute for discharging the coins from the pipe assembly, a coin counter for counting coins being discharged through the discharging chute, a motor having an output shaft for providing rotating torque, a rotatable arm engaged with the output shaft for transferring the rotating torque, a first rod engaged with the rotatable arm for actuating the coin counter, a second rod engaged with the first rod for pushing the coins from the pipe assembly into the discharging chute, an engaging coupling for engaging the first rod with the second rod, the base plate having an elongate hole for converting a rotating motion of the engaging coupling into a reciprocating motion to cause the first rod and the second rod to reciprocate, a guide plate having an opening corresponding with the discharging chute for discharging coins and having a slit communicating with the opening for providing a guiding passage for

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for deterring gaming machine theft and fraud by weighing the number of coins accumulated in a gaming machine hopper assembly (9). In one preferred embodiment, a coin weighing apparatus (12) consisting of a load cell (13) and internal strain gauge (18) is constructed integrally with the coin hopper assembly and fits between the coin hopper (10) and its base plate (14). In other preferred embodiments, the coin weighing apparatus (22, 43, 50) is constructed separately from the coin hopper assembly. In these other preferred embodiments, the weighing apparatus includes upper (24, 46, 52) and lower plates (26, 48, 60) which are separated by one or more load cell weighing instruments (28, 45, 56). In operation, the lower plate of this stand-alone weighing apparatus is typically placed against the bottom (8) of the slot machine and the hopper is then simply placed on top of the weighing apparatus' upper plate.

Abstract: A coin sorter has a circular sorting track with an upstanding rim. A diverter mechanism is located at the rim and may be actuated to move a selected coin away from the rim to an off-sort depression inwardly of the rim and then to an off-sort opening at the end of the depression. The diverter mechanism is actuated by a coin recognition system that includes an induction coil located beneath the track in advance of the diverter mechanism. Signals from the induction coil are read at spaced positions of a coin passing over the coil and compared with stored ranges of acceptable signals for coins of various denominations. The diverter mechanism is actuated to divert a coin to the off-sort opening when the signals for that coin do not fall within a range of acceptable values. The ranges of acceptable values can be established by calibrating the coin recognition system by processing a plurality of known acceptable coins of a denomination.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing tokens in a Point-Of-Sale ("POS") transaction. The system and method include sensing errors in the token-dispensing operation whereby a POS terminal operator can be notified if a token is jammed in the token dispenser or if the token dispenser is empty.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing apparatus for weighing coins accumulated in a coin hopper using a load cell and automatically taking periodic readings of the number of coins accumulated in the hopper. By periodically monitoring the hopper and automatically calculating the number of coins in the hopper, preventive fills and automatic inventorying can be effected. Knowing the coin count and being able to transmit coin counts to a central location allows for central accounting. Monitoring the coin count locally or centrally allows for "preemptive fills" where a hopper running low on coins is filled during periods of inactivity prior to the hopper being completely empty. The number of coins in the hopper at any given time is determined from the combined weight of the hopper and the coins accumulated in the hopper.

Abstract: An electronic coin counter for use with cash register drawers. Coins are poured from the cash register drawer through openings in the top of a housing into sleeves that correspond to the denomination of the coins. Internal sensor tips are then brought into contact with the resulting column of coins by forcing a bar outside the housing in toward the housing. This activates a switch to supply electrical power to internal electronics and to external digital displays. The sensor tips are oriented in staggered pairs to prevent counting errors due to the presence of worn thin coins. Mathematical addition and multiplication necessary to obtain the monetary value of each denomination of coin and the total value of all the coins is performed automatically by internal logic circuitry. The monetary totals are then sent to the external digital displays while the coins are automatically ejected through holes in the bottom of the housing underneath each sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical coin counting system for use in gaming machines such as video poker machines and slot machines. One disclosed system includes an optical detector including a light source and a light detector, a deflection arm which deflects when a coin passes over it, a shaft attached to the deflection arm such that the shaft rotates when the deflection arm deflects, an optic flag attached to the shaft at a location remote from the deflection arm such that when the coin causes the deflection arm to deflect, the optic flag moves with respect to the light detector to cause a change in light intensity detected by the detector, and an opaque barrier disposed substantially about the optic flag such that substantially all light proximate the deflection arm is blocked from reaching the optical detector. The shaft may pass through the opaque barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which reduces variation in coin position or velocity as coins are conveyed past an acceptance device is provided. In one embodiment coins are separated prior to conveyance past sensors. In one embodiment separation is achieved by stopping or pinching the following coin until a preceding coin has moved a predetermined distance. In one embodiment separation is achieved by engagement of sequential coins with different turns of a lead screw thread. In one embodiment separation is achieved by engagement of successive coins with rollers rotating at different velocities. Preferably, one or more belts are used to convey coins past an acceptance device at a known or constant velocity.

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing machine includes a coin discriminating and counting section for discriminating whether or not coins are acceptable and the denominations of the acceptable coins and counting the coins, coin sorting sections for sorting coins based on the result of the discrimination made by the coin discriminating and counting section, a coin temporary storing section for temporarily storing acceptable coins sorted by the coin sorting sections in accordance with their denominations, a dispensable coin storing section for receiving coins temporarily stored in the coin temporary storing section and storing them in accordance with their denominations, a safe for collecting coins, and a chute for feeding coins from the dispensable coin storing section to the safe. According to the thus constituted coin receiving and dispensing machine, it is possible to easily collect coins after the completion of business with a compact structure.

Abstract: A coin escalator assembly has coin guide plates adjustably mounted in slots. Slots positioned in the upper end of the escalator assembly allow the coin guide plates to be adjusted for variation in coin diameter. By making the escalator assembly adjustable, within a predetermined range, a single escalator may be used to cover a range of coin sizes.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters having improved exit slots is set forth. The sorter includes a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the upper surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the sorting head. Each of the plurality of exit channels has two side walls between which the coins are guided and a base across which the coins pass. Each exit channel has a slot in the base and the coin engages a region of the base outside of the slot.

Abstract: An automatic coin discharge apparatus includes a housing which has a coin-receiving opening and a coin discharge opening, a coin-storing unit which extends in the horizontal direction in the housing and stores a plurality of coins of the same denomination in a piled-up state in one line in the horizontal direction with side surfaces of the coins facing each other, a coin-urging member which urges the plurality of coins in the coin line in the coin-storing unit toward one end portion of the coin-storing unit in a direction along the coin line, a coin transporting unit which extends in the housing from the coin-receiving opening toward the one end portion of the coin-storing unit and transports coins received by the coin-receiving opening toward the one end portion of the coin-storing unit, a coin inserting unit which inserts coins transported toward the one end portion of the coin-storing unit by the coin transporting unit, into a position nearest to the one end portion of the coin-storing unit in the coin lin

Abstract: A system for handling, sorting and/or counting disc-shaped objects, such as coins. A rotatable turntable having a loading tray into which the disc-shaped objects are introduced includes a peripheral circular entrainment sorting ring. A fixed upper circular ring is disposed immediately above the sorting ring whereby the disc-shaped objects are fed along the upper ring. A plurality of deflection devices are adapted to deflect the coins from between the upper ring and sorting ring. A control track extends from the loading tray to the sorting ring and is adapted to singularize and feed the disc-shaped objects. A recognition or counting device is positioned along the control track.

Abstract: A coin counting machine for the valuation of large, multidenominational aggregations of coins is comprised of a rotating disk assembly that determines the coins value according to its size as it passes over a photoelectric unit. Large mixtures of coins are dumped into a cylindrical coin deposit tray that is centrally disposed upon two circular disks with grooves or passageways formed therebetween. The tray has a plurality of equidistantly spaced exit recesses in its walls that connect with the passageways. As a motor spins the disk assembly, coins disposed within the bin are flung outwards through the recesses and along the passageways where a photoelectric sensor unit records the value of each coin according to its size and relays the information to a microprocessor control unit.

Abstract: A coin sorting system comprises a coin sorter for sorting a plurality of coins, an operator interface panel, and a control unit coupling the operator interface panel to the coin sorter. The coin sorter includes a coin-driving member having a resilient surface and a stationary coin-guiding member having a coin-guiding surface opposing the resilient surface of the coin-driving member. The coin-guiding surface is positioned generally parallel to the resilient surface. The resilient surface of the coin-driving member is constructed and arranged to move the coins along the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. The coin-guiding surface forms a plurality of exit stations for selectively allowing exiting of the coins based upon their respective diameters. The operator interface panel includes a display unit and a touch screen mounted over the display unit. The display unit includes a plurality of display fields for displaying keys, coin sorter status, and sorted coin total.

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus receives coins through an opening in a guide plate onto the resilient surface of a rotating disc. The surface of the guide plate is contoured and includes portions positioned sufficiently close to the surface of the disc to press coins traveling therebetween into the resilient surface of the disc. As the coins are circulated circumferentially between the discs, the countours in the guide plate guide the coin into a single file along a first prescribed path. Coins of at least one selected denomination are displaced to follow a second prescribed path. The coins are discharged along each described path at exit locations at the periphery of the plate.

Abstract: A medal counting apparatus installed in a game parlor for counting medals which a game player has won, is disclosed. The medal counting apparatus comprises a counter for counting the medals, a medal supplying mechanism for receiving the medals to be dumped and for supplying them sequentially to the counter, a dump restraining unit for restraining the medals from being dumped into the medal supplying mechanism and a control unit for controlling operations of the medal supplying mechanism and the dump restraining unit. The medal supply control means puts the medal supplying mechanism into a stopped state when the dump restraining unit restrains the medals from being dumped and into an operation state when the dump restraining unit permits dumping of the medals. The control unit also instructs the dump restraining unit to close the receiving hopper when a medal dump restraining signal is input from the outside or the counter has not been used for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A coin hopper having an optical-electrical coin sensor with a light source and a light detector is provided. The coin hopper includes a coin transport disc, a coin trough, and a coin payout chute. The coin sensor is secured to the hopper and is proximally located to the coin payout chute. The sensor is configured such that the light detector is substantially adjacent the coin transport disc and the light source is spaced apart from the coin transport disc. The sensor is operatively connected to the coin hopper control circuitry which shuts down the hopper after the appropriate number of coins is dispensed. The hopper may also include circuitry which, in conjunction with the light source, provides a pulsed or intermittent beam of light.

Abstract: The present invention is a coin sorter apparatus for sorting a group of mixed coins by denomination and immediately terminating the sorting process in response to a predetermined operating condition, such as the filling of a coin receptacle with a predetermined number of coins. Sorting is provided by a stationary sorting head and a rotatable disc positioned sufficiently proximate to one another so that when the group of mixed coins are dropped into the center opening of the stationary sorting head, they are rotated by the rotating disc and guided by the sorting head on a outward spiral sorting path to exit channels along the periphery of the stationary sorting head. Each of the exit channels acts as an exit chute for a particular coin denomination by releasing pressure on that particular coin and freeing the coin to move outwardly along the exit channel and exit into a coin receptacle.

Abstract: A coin delivering apparatus includes a coin escalator having a coin passage where coins advance in a row. A gate is provided at a side wall of the coin passage for opening and closing a portion of the side wall. A coin delivering unit is further provided to deliver the coins toward an inlet of the coin passage in sequence. When the gate is closed, the coins delivered by the coin delivering unit advance into the coin passage via the inlet thereof and are forced out from an outlet of the coin passage. When the gate is opened while no coins are delivered by the coin delivering unit, the coins remaining in the coin passage are transferred by the coin delivering unit to a coin collecting opening to be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: In a coin counter, a coin insert slot 1 where the coins used for the slot machines are inserted, a coin counting unit 3 for counting the number of coins inserted from the coin insert slot 1, a coin tank for storing the coins counted by the coin counting unit 3 and a printing unit 6 for printing out the count result by the coin counting unit 3 on a receipt are provided in a main body thereof. Under the main body, wheels or casters 5 are provided so as to move the main body easily.

Abstract: A slot machine incorporates a coin dispenser, which has a discharge section that discharges a coin toward a discharge slot. A sensor is arranged at the discharge slot, and generates a detection signal upon detecting a coin. A counter counts the detection signal, to generate a count signal. A pay-out controller drives the discharge section in accordance with a pay-out signal, and prevents the discharge section from operating to complete the pay-out, when the count value equals a predetermined number of coins to be paid out. If the detecting signal is received before receiving the pay-out signal, the pay-out controller prevents the discharge section from operating, to protect the slot machine from a player's fraud. If the detection signal is received before receiving the pay-out signal or after completing the pay-out, the pay-out controller signals an error. A blocking plate is arranged to close the discharge slot. When pushed by the passing coin, the plate is opened to allow the coin to pass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coin counter for use with a coin handling apparatus for receiving coins at a first location and discharging the coins at a second location through a coin discharge slot remote from the first location. The coin handling apparatus includes a coin transport channel extending from the first location to the second location and dimensioned so that coins can move therein in a single, edge-to-edge file. The channel terminates at the coin discharge slot at the second location. A sensor is located proximate to the coin discharge slot for sensing the passage of each coin as it leaves the channel through the coin discharge slot. A counter means is coupled with the sensor for counting the total number of coins passing through the coin discharge slot.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination. The apparatus comprises a rotatable disc which has a resilient surface for receiving coins and imparting rotational movement to the coins. A stationary sorting head has a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of the rotatable disc. The stationary sorting head sorts and discharges coins of different denominations at different exits around the periphery of the stationary sorting head. The sorting head includes a separate exit channel for each denomination of coin, and a sensor for each coin denomination within the exit channel for that denomination. An encoder monitors the movement of a sensed coin on the rotating disc downstream of the sensors by monitoring the angular movement of the disc. Further, a coin discriminator is used to detect foreign and counterfeit coins and to prevent the detected invalid coins from being discharged with the valid coins.

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing machine having a replenishing coin storage box and a first transporting system for replenishing coins in coin storage cylinders by denomination when the coins in at least one of the coin cylinders fall below a first predetermined level, and a coin replenishing box and a second transporting system for supplementing additional coins to the first transporting system when the coins in at least one of the coin cylinders fall below a second lower predetermined level. The two separate coin storage boxes allows for the replenishment of coins while at the same time allowing simultaneous operation of the coin receiving and dispensing function of the machine.

Abstract: A coin sorter having a rotatable disc includes a brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the disc in response to a predetermined number of counted coins. The disc is driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The brake mechanism includes a first brake mechanism coupled to the motor for stopping rotation thereof, a second brake mechanism coupled to the coin disc for stopping rotation thereof, and a control mechanism for operating the brake mechanisms in a synchronous manner so as to avoid any shock loads upon the gear train due to existence of torque differentials on either ends thereof. The brake mechanisms are adapted to have substantially identical stopping times and are operated in such a manner as to be energized in a substantially instantaneous manner when the braking sequence is initiated.